How to Build Independence in Kids
To build independence in a child is one of the most important objectives a parent can achieve. Not only does a child need independence, he requires it to grow into a healthy, well-adjust adult. Read more to learn how you can build independence in your child.
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Instructions
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How to Build Independence in Kids
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Provide your child with a weekly or monthly allowance to allow her to purchase clothing, shoes, music, video games and other merchandise or products. Establish a payment structure reasonable enough to allow the child to be responsible for her principle spending. This will not only build independence, but encourage greater responsibilty and more practical money management. Remember to clearly set parameters for the allowance. State that under no circumstance will you "bail your child out" if she spends the allowance irresponsibly, too quickly, or arbitrarily. Set up a payment structure that will replinish the child's income regularly. She should not have to wait months between receiving the monies. This is an appropriate strategy for children at least 13 years of age.
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Encourage your child to use public transportation. At age 15, provide your child with the necessary timetable(s), route information and fare schedule to navigate the varying bus and train options available in the city. Encourage him to use public transportation when travelling to school, the local mall, the local park, or the local cinema. Be sure to test his knowledge prior to his first trip. Ask him to explain how to visit specific locations in and around the city as well as the last service time available for those areas.
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Establish a curfew. Set up an after school schedule that accomadate chores, homework and family duties. Upon the completion of these tasks, allow the child to visit friends, play outside, go to the cinema or generally hang out, as defined by specified boundaries. Explain that the child must return home by a specified time, "check-in" a specified number of times and stay within a specified radius of the home. It is advised to implement this step after the child has reached at least 10 years of age.
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Allow your child to choose his or her clothes. Establish independence in kids by allowing them to select their clothes and shoes. This strategy is appropriate for pre-school age children. Responsibility should center on the child choosing the clothes he would want to wear to school without adult supervision (per se). However, it is important to explain that although the child may choose his clothes for school, you reserve the right to final approval. Check to make sure the clothes are age appropriate and/or well within school guidelines.
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Tips & Warnings
It is ALWAYS in the best interest of your child to consider his or her maturity level when deciding what is appropriate for his or her safety.
